Evaluation of marine wood boring organism’s attack on wood materials in the Black Sea coastal region

Abstract

Wood has been used in many areas including the marine environment due to its important properties. However, marine borers cause damage that shortens the service life of wooden materials. Marine borers have a wide distribution and employ different attack mechanisms depending on the geographical region. In this study, wood samples prepared from the Pinus sylvestris L. species were subjected to marine exposure for seven months in the Eastern, Central, and Western Black Sea Regions. Results showed that Teredo navalis marine borer was observed in all three regions. The N, Mg, S, Cl, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Pb content of the samples noticeable increased after the marine trial. According to Fourier transform infrared analysis, carbohydrate content of the samples decreased noticeable, while lignin content increased.